Wedding Brooches

I was contacted, on my Etsy shop, by Kristen, a bride to be. She was interested in pins for her and her bridal party. She had chosen very chic black retro style dresses for her bridesmaids. She wanted 3 custom brooches for her bridesmaids, incorporating each of their favorite colors mixed with crystal rhinestones and pearls for the individual girls. One with touch of emerald, another with a sprinkling of ruby red, and one with yellow gems. They would all be different but have a similar feel. Kristen was going to be married on the northern coast, which can be chilly, and had bought a terrific faux fur shawl on Etsy to go with her dress. I had been working on a black, white and crystal brooch incorporating feathers. Once I showed it to Kristen she said it would be a perfect piece to pin on her shawl. I had to agree. Perfect! Once the wedding was over she'd be able to wear a piece from her wedding ensemble any time she wanted.. .... I just heard from the new bride. She had an amazing wedding and wanted to share with me wedding photos showing the vintage collage brooches I had created for her. I was thrilled to get the images of the beautiful bride and her friends. They look marvelous and I'm so happy to be a small part of her special day. Kristen, I wish you and your husband a wonderful and happy life together. Enjoy! I have her permission to share these photos with you.

Grand Opening of Valerie Tyler Designs Retro Collection

I'd like to help celebrate and promote the opening of my fellow Cleveland Handmade artist, Valerie Tyler's new Etsy Store. My love of vintage and retro leads me right into her shop. She is a talented artist and does a terrific job creating pieces with the time tested classic feel. She's stocked her store with all sorts of vintage style goodness, including some classic black and white pieces in her Classic Noir Collection, Art Deco and Retro Mod style jewelry, jewelry with a touch of yesteryear and Victorian flair, and pieces with a nostalgic look. Check out her blog before Feb. 8th for a chance to win one of her creations. Here’s a few examples of what you can discover:

A gift from the Vintage Brooch Company is perfect for that "hard to buy" for gal.

Neckwear Display

I found this great hook at Marshalls and knew It would be a terrific way to display necklaces at my next show. A piece of scrap lumber, some end caps and crackle paint....all done! A perfect vintage looking display for my vintage repurposed necklaces.